Community-Based Tourism in Sabah
One hour upriver from Batu Puteh, the rainforest deepens and the wildlife grows louder.
The Lower Kinabatangan forests are teeming with life — gibbons, civets, leaf monkeys and the occasional wild orangutans building nests in the canopy. But this is no zoo. You’ll encounter the jungle on its own terms: wet, wild, and raw. Supporting eco-tourism here sustains a vital conservation effort and strengthens the communities rooted in this landscape, such as the Orang Sungai communities who’ve lived in harmony with it for generations.
Step off the tourist trail and into one of Borneo’s most important conservation success stories: from an organisation that is both locally-based and award-winning. KOPEL’s CBEST (Community-Based Ecologically Sustainable Tourism) project blends authentic adventure with meaningful impact, giving you access to remote rainforest landscapes while supporting Orang Sungai culture and long-term ecological restoration.
Start planning your journey here...
Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.
What to expect from community-based tourism in Sabah:
- Live-in jungle observation platforms with views over the rainforest canopy
- Guided hikes through freshwater swamp, limestone forest and river meanders
- Boat rides at dawn and dusk through thriving wildlife habitats
- Tree planting projects restoring vital forest corridors since 1999
- Insight into the traditions and future of the Orang Sungai people
- Delicious home-cooked meals, traditional music and community hospitality
More than a visit
“The wildlife was incredible, but what really stayed with us was meeting the local community and seeing how tourism can help protect the rainforest and support the people who call it home. ”
KOPEL and the CBEST initiative
KOPEL is a grassroots organisation founded by residents of Batu Puteh to conserve their rainforest and create sustainable livelihoods. KOPEL is short for Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Puteh Kinabatangan Berhad (Batu Peteh Tourism Cooperative) and its CBEST model has since inspired eco-tourism initiatives across Borneo. Based at the forest’s edge near Tungog Lake, KOPEL’s eco-camp and homestays allow for full immersion in both jungle and community life.
Exploring Sabah’s Remote Rainforest
From the observation platforms and 18 km of forest trails, you’ll discover a wild tangle of biodiversity. Macaques, civets, and the elusive proboscis monkey roam the treetops, while crocodiles and monitor lizards stir the muddy waters below. Local guides help you read the forest’s rhythms — from bird calls to butterfly migrations — and share stories of the land’s history and change.
Sunrise & Sunset River Journeys
Glide along the Kinabatangan River at dawn, when the mist lifts and wildlife emerges to feed. As the sun sets, take a boat out again to listen for gibbons and watch fireflies pulse along the riverbank. These tranquil journeys offer unmatched chances to see hornbills, egrets and — if you’re lucky — wild orangutans moving through the trees.
Tree Planting & Habitat Restoration
KOPEL has planted tens of thousands of trees since 1999, creating vital corridors for wildlife to move safely through the fragmented landscape. you’ll have the chance to join this effort — working in the nursery, removing invasive vines, or planting native seedlings that help bring the forest back to life.
Cave Adventures
Hike into Sabah’s limestone cave systems to see the remarkable swiftlet nests — a local delicacy and cultural treasure. Guides will share the ecological and economic role of these nests, while revealing the fragile balance between tradition and conservation in these dark, echoing chambers.
Living with the Orang Sungai
Home to diverse dialects and traditions, the Orang Sungai communities of the Lower Kinabatangan have relied on forest resources for generations. During your stay, cook local dishes, lend a hand on the farm, or join a night of music and dancing with resonant brass gongs that rival the sounds of the surrounding jungle.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.
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